Sneak Preview: The women of the book
Chapter One in What She Said is all about providing guidance, advice and wisdom.
Appreciating the nature of the relationship between speaker and audience is important in crafting and delivering a speech that bestows guidance, advice and wisdom.
This relationship is usually somewhat unequal. This is not to say that that speaker is in any way better, but in the context of the advice, they have the upper hand. Their expertise, achievement, seniority (or some other distinguishing factor) creates in the minds of the audience a desire to listen and to extract meaning.
– Excerpt from Chapter One, WHAT SHE SAID
Four remarkable speeches are features in this chapter. Each one is notable for the change that is effected in the hearts and minds of the audience.
Michelle Obama
Former first lady of the United States, author and speaker
When they go low, we go high
When: 26 July 2016
Where: Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia
On 26 July 2016, the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, spoke in support of Hillary Clinton in front of approximately 50000 people at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia. This convention confirmed Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president in the upcoming election, opposing Donald Trump as the Republican nominee.
Nora Ephron
Writer and filmmaker
Be the heroine of your life
When: 3 June 1996
Where: Wellesley College
Nora Ephron is the American writer and filmmaker that brought us such classics as Silkwood, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and Julie and Julia. So, you would no doubt expect sharp wit combined with humour from her—and this speech delivers both. It is imbued with her trademark insight and personality. Ephron goes further than this, however, delivering
a compelling feminist message and a warning to the graduating class of Wellesley College in 1996.
Florence Nightingale
Social reformer and founder of modern nursing
What makes a good nurse
When: May 1881
Where: Trainee Nurses at St Thomas’ Hospital
The ‘Lady with the Lamp’—Florence Nightingale—is a symbol of care and compassion, making the rounds of wounded soldiers during the Crimean War.
In 1860 she established a secular school for nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and set about professionalising the role of the nurse for women. Her legacy continues in the profession with the Nightingale Pledge and the Florence Nightingale Medal.
Virginia Woolf
Author
Shakespear’s Sister
When: 1928
Where: The University of Cambridge
Bloomsbury novelist Virginia Woolf was known for her innovative approach to writing and her non-linear storylines. She was complicated and complex in both her character and the way she made sense of the world. The writer made a significant impact on modern fiction and continues to fascinate readers 80 years after she died. In addition to writing fiction, Woolf was prolific in her exploration of ideas and opinions through letters, essays and talks.
Monica Lunin is a communications expert, speaker and writer based in Sydney Australia. She is the co-owner of MOJOLOGIC, a consultancy that specialises in developing the skills of communication, influence and leadership.
Her fascination with communication can be traced back to school and university when she was an avid debater and public speaker. Her academic pursuits in political science and international relations gave way to a career in business – and the power of persuasion has always permeated her view of the world.